Historic Floods in Kenya Threaten the Lives of Many Citizens

Historic floods in Kenya have wrought havoc on communities, claiming the lives of 66 people in recent days alone. Rain-swollen water levels at two Kenyan hydroelectric dams have reached historic highs, with officials warning people downstream to move away. The Kenyan cabinet has ordered residents of flood-prone areas to evacuate or face forced relocation, affecting over 150,000 people who are now displaced and living in dozens of camps. The government has come under intense scrutiny for its slow response to the crisis, with residents expressing frustration over the collapse of a blocked tunnel in the Mai Mahiu area, which killed at least 48 people.

The Tana River, Kenya’s longest, has seen its waters reach unprecedented levels, with the Masinga and Kiambere hydroelectric dams experiencing conditions not seen before. On Sunday, a boat capsized on the Tana, resulting in the deaths of seven people, with 13 others reported missing. Just earlier this month, high waters on the Tana swept a bus from a bridge, with all 51 passengers rescued. The flooding has also blocked a national highway, swamped the main airport, and swept a bus off a bridge.

The flooding is not limited to Kenya, with neighboring countries such as Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Burundi also affected. The flooding has resulted in the deaths of over 150 people in Tanzania and Somalia, while hundreds of thousands have been affected in Ethiopia and Burundi. The situation is dire, with families left without food, shelter, or access to basic necessities.

As the situation continues to unfold, the government’s decision to order evacuations is seen as a vital step in mitigating the disaster. Kenya’s President William Ruto reassured residents during a visit to the affected area, stating, “We will assist you all and ensure we resettle you in an area that the government has identified.” However, the logistics of such a large-scale evacuation effort are unclear, particularly in crowded informal neighborhoods. For now, residents are left to wait and see if the government can make good on its promises, and if they will be able to find safety from the relentless flooding.